Portable cutting table with improved folding leg assemblies

ABSTRACT

A portable cutting table including a top having an upper portion and a lower portion and a table skirt secured to the lower portion of the top. The table includes folding leg assemblies, each having a pair of support legs. Each leg has a distal end defining a bevel having a predetermined angle, and a proximal end defining a compound curve including at least a first curve with a first radius of curvature and a second curve with a second radius of curvature. The first curve defines a notch in an outer face of the leg corresponding to the predetermined angle. The second curve has a midpoint and a center of curvature so the proximal end of each leg defines a pivot point located at least halfway between the midpoint and the center of curvature. Each support leg is pivotably connected at the pivot point to the table skirt.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable tables and, moreparticularly, to a portable table having folding leg assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Many types of portable tables are described in catalogs and variouspatents. These tables are lightweight, often weighing only a few pounds,and have folding leg mechanisms designed for compact storage. Exemplaryrecent embodiments of these tables include complex pivoting legassemblies such as described at, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,375issued to Rahm. Other recent embodiments of portable tables havemulti-fold mechanisms with complex hinge assemblies such as describedat, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,361 issued to Zhurong et al. Otherembodiments of portable tables employ casters or rollers and a slidabletop such as described at U.S. Pat. No. 947,115 issued to Mercer.Examples of portable tables include embodiments that can be anchored toan earthen surface utilizing a spike such as described at U.S. Pat. No.6,705,240 issued to Block et al.

These tables are generally unsuitable for uses requiring a relativelysmall, stable and robust surface at a convenient height (e.g., fromabout 28 to about 36 inches) such as, for example, cutting and preparingmeats, vegetables and the like for cooking at events like barbeques,cooking competitions, outdoor gatherings, garden parties, tailgateevents, or similar outdoor venues and/or indoor venues. There is anunmet need for a portable table providing a stable and robust surface ata convenient height for cutting and preparing meats, vegetables and thelike for cooking at various venues. There is also an unmet need for arobust portable table that is economical and easy to manufacture. Thereis also an unmet need for a robust portable table that is economical andeasy to manufacture from readily available and renewable materials suchas wood, wood composites, and/or repurposed wood products.

SUMMARY

The problems described above are addressed by the present inventionwhich encompasses a portable cutting table (which may be referred tohereinafter as “the table” or “the portable table” for convenience). Thetable includes a top (i.e., a top configured for cutting which may becalled a “cutting top”) having an upper portion and a lower portion, afirst end and a second end, and at least one edge. The table alsoincludes a table skirt secured to the lower portion of the top adjacentthe at least one edge of the top. In an aspect of the invention, thecutting top may be from about 4 square feet to about 8 square feet inarea. Desirably from about 5 square feet to about 7 square feet in area,and even more desirably, about 6 square feet in area.

The portable cutting table also includes improved folding legassemblies. That is, the table includes a first leg assembly and asecond leg assembly. Each leg assembly includes a pair of support legs.Each support leg has an outer face and an opposed inner face, a firstside and an opposed second side, the first side and second side eachbeing generally perpendicular to the outer face and inner face.According to the invention, each leg includes a distal end defining abevel having a predetermined angle, and a proximal end defining acompound curve including at least a first curve with a first radius ofcurvature and a second curve with a second radius of curvature.

A feature of the first curve is that it defines a notch in the outerface of the support leg substantially corresponding to the predeterminedangle of the bevel. A feature of the second curve is that it has amidpoint and a center of curvature such that the proximal end of eachsupport leg defines a pivot point located at least halfway between themidpoint and the center of curvature. For example, the pivot point maybe located halfway between the midpoint and the center of curvature orthe pivot point may be located closer to the midpoint than the center ofcurvature.

Each support leg of the first leg assembly is pivotably connected at thepivot point to the table skirt near the top first end and each supportleg of the second leg assembly being pivotably connected at the pivotpoint to the table skirt near the top second end. The pivotableconnection may be carried out with mechanical fasteners such as, forexample, bolts, screws, dowel rods, pins or the like.

According to the invention, the table has a storage position in whichthe first leg assembly and the second leg assembly nest together againstthe lower portion of the top when the leg assemblies are folded in thestorage position. The table also has a deployed position in which thefirst leg assembly and the second leg assembly deploy to an anglerelative to the top that is approximately the sum of ninety degrees andthe predetermined angle when the leg assemblies are extended in thedeployed position.

In an aspect of the invention, the first leg assembly and the second legassembly may each include a connecting brace. In this configuration, thesecond leg assembly desirably includes notches on its outer face toreceive the connecting brace of the first leg assembly when the table isin the storage position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the table skirt may include apull-out element secured to the lower portion of the top. This pull-outelement may be a pull-out shelf, a wire basket, a frame for holding acontainer or bag, or the like.

In another aspect of the invention, the table skirt may define a firstside element and a second side element extending between the first endand the second end of the top. The first side element and the secondside element may be secured to the lower portion of the top adjacent theat least one edge of the top. Each side element may include hardwarethat extends beyond the at least one edge of the top. For example, eachside element may include mounted hardware in the form of handles, bottleopeners, knobs or hooks that extend from about 0.25 inches to 1.5 inchesbeyond the edge of the top. Desirably, these mounted hardware componentsprovide separation between the edge of the top and any generally flatsurface the table is resting on when the table is placed on its side.

The present invention also includes a method of making a portablecutting table. This Method includes at least the following severalsteps: providing a top including an upper portion and a lower portion, afirst end and a second end, and at least one edge; providing a tableskirt and securing the table skirt to the lower portion of the topadjacent the at least one edge of the top; providing a first pair and asecond pair of supports leg, each support leg having an outer face andan opposed inner face, a first side and an opposed second side, thefirst side and second side each being generally perpendicular to theouter face and inner face, a distal end, and a proximal end; defining abevel having a predetermined angle on the distal end of each supportleg; defining a compound curve including at least a first curve with afirst radius of curvature and a second curve with a second radius ofcurvature on the proximal end of each support leg such that (i) thefirst curve defines a notch in the outer face of the support legsubstantially corresponding to the predetermined angle of the bevel, and(ii) the second curve has a midpoint and a center of curvature such thatthe proximal end of each support leg defines a pivot point located atleast halfway between the midpoint and the center of curvature; forminga first leg assembly using the first pair of support legs and aconnecting brace and forming a second leg assembly using the second pairof support legs and a connecting brace; and pivotably connecting eachsupport leg of the first leg assembly at its pivot point to the tableskirt near the top first end and pivotably connecting each support legof the second leg assembly at its pivot point to the table skirt nearthe top second end.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Invention with reference to the accompanying drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure andrefer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aportable cutting table according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a detail of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a detail of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 in astorage position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 in adeployed position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a detail of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a detail of a portion of anexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the various embodiments of the present invention, asillustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminologyis employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

The present invention is directed to a portable cutting table 10 as showin exploded perspective view in FIG. 1

The portable cutting table 10 includes a top 15. The top 15 is desirablyformed of a dense material suitable for cutting, chopping, or preparingfood (which may be defined as a “cutting top”). When such materials areused to form a top of sufficient area for cutting, chopping, orpreparing food (e.g., a rectangle or square from about 4 square feet toabout 8 square feet in area, desirably from about 5 square feet to about7 square feet in area, and even more desirably, about 6 square feet inarea) the top may be relatively heavy. Exemplary materials includeplastic materials of the type used for cutting boards, wood laminatessuch as those commonly referred to as “butcher block”, recycled laminateor composite materials such as, for example, repurposed wood bowlingalley lane, repurposed bowling alley lane separator or the like. It isalso contemplated that the top may be a laminated material includinglayers such as, for example, plywood, boards, bamboo, plastic or thelike in combination with a dense material suitable for cutting orpreparing food. The top 15 includes an upper portion 20 and a lowerportion 25, a first end 30 and a second end 35, and at least one edge40. For example, the top may be circular or oval and have what may bedescribed as a single edge. Alternatively, the top may be triangular andhave three edges. As yet another alternative and as shown in FIG. 1, thetop 15 may be square or rectangular and have four edges, namely 40A,40B, 40C and 40D. It is contemplated that the top may be pentagonal,hexagonal, etc. and have a corresponding number of edges.

The portable table 10 includes a table skirt 45 secured to the lowerportion 25 of the top 15 adjacent the at least one edge 40 of the top.For example, as show in FIG. 1, the table skirt 45 of the rectangulartop 15 is secured to the lower portion 25 along four edges —40A, 40B,40C and 40D. It is contemplated that the table skirt 45 may form aunitary structure as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the table skirt 45may be formed as discrete sections, each section separately secured tothe lower portion 25 of the top 15.

According to the present invention, the portable table 10 includes afirst leg assembly 50 and a second leg assembly 55, each leg assemblyincluding a respective pair of support legs. That is, the first legassembly 50 includes a support leg 60 and a support leg 65. The secondleg assembly 55 includes a support leg 70 and a support leg 75.

Each support leg (60, 65, 70, and 75) has an outer face 80 and anopposed inner face 85, a first side 90 and an opposed second side 95.Generally speaking, the first side 90 and second side 95 each may begenerally perpendicular to the outer face 80 and inner face 85. However,it is contemplated that each support may have alternative cross-sectionsincluding, but not limited to, circular, oval, triangular, pentagonal,hexagonal or the like. In such configurations, the support leg shouldhave a compound curve as discussed below.

Each support leg (60, 65, 70, and 75) has a distal end 100 defining abevel 105 having a predetermined angle 4). This predetermined angle 4)may range from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees. For example, thepredetermined angle 4) may range from about 8 degrees to about 17degrees. Desirably, the predetermined angle 4) may be about 13 degrees.Desirably, the bevel 105 may extend from the outer face 80 to the innerface 85.

Each support leg (60, 65, 70, and 75) has a proximal end 110 defining acompound curve 120 as generally shown in side view at FIGS. 2 and 3. Thecompound curve 120 includes at least a first curve 130 with a radius ofcurvature “R1” and center of curvature “C1” a second curve 135 with aradius of curvature “R2” and center of curvature “C2”. Each of thesecurves is identified in FIG. 2 as a curved surface at the proximal endof a support leg as well as with broken lines extending beyond itsrespective curved surface on the support leg to help highlight thedetails of the curve for a view of the figure. Another feature of thepresent invention that the first curve 130 defines a notch 140 in theouter face 80 of each support leg (60, 65, 70, and 75) substantiallycorresponding to the predetermined angle 4) of the bevel 105.

In addition to the center of curvature C2″, the second curve 135 has amidpoint “M” located at the proximal end of the support leg along whatmay be described as a transition zone between the outer face 80 and theinner face 85. Each support leg (60, 65, 70, and 75) defines a pivotpoint 145. The pivot point 145 may be located at least about halfwaybetween the midpoint “M” and the center of curvature “C2”. For example,the pivot point 145 may be located halfway between the midpoint “M” andthe center of curvature “C2” or the pivot point 145 may desirably belocated closer to the midpoint “M” than the center of curvature “C2”.That is, the pivot point 145 may be located at a position at leasttwo-thirds or even three-quarters of the distance between the midpoint“M” and the center of curvature “C2” such that the pivot point islocated much closer to the midpoint “M” than the center of curvature“C2”.

Each support leg (60, 65) of the first leg assembly 50 is pivotablyconnected at its pivot point 145 to the table skirt 45 near the topfirst end 30 and each support leg (70, 75) of the second leg assembly 55is pivotably connected at its pivot point 145 to the table skirt nearthe top second end 35. Locating the pivot point 145 at least halfwaybetween the midpoint “M” and the center of curvature “C2” increases thelength of each support leg by distance that is at least approximatelyone-half the distance between the midpoint “M” and the center ofcurvature “C2”. It is generally thought that conventional table legstypically have a pivot point located at approximately the center ofcurvature which results in an effectively shorter table leg. While theadditional support leg length provided by one aspect of the presentinvention may seem relatively small in comparison to the total length ofa support leg, that advantage is amplified by a corresponding reductionin the length of the top (which is desirably made of a dense materialthat adds significant weight) as well as the length of the skirt. Thatis, conventional table legs are longer and require a correspondinglylonger table top and skirt for the legs to fit.

While the inventor should not be held to any particular theory ofoperation, the use of a compound curve 120 allows for fast, reliable andreproducible production of the support legs when such legs aremanufactured by a cutting operation such as, for example, bandsaw,jigsaw cutting or the like. Fast, reliable and reproducible productionof support legs may be particularly important for batch production ofthe support legs in wood shop or small manufacturing settings.

In an aspect of the invention, the first curve 130 may have a radius ofcurvature R1 that is greater than the radius of curvature R2 of thesecond curve 135. For example, the radius of curvature R1 may range fromabout 1 to 4 times the radius of curvature R2. As another example, theradius of curvature R1 may range from about 2 to 3 times the radius ofcurvature R2. As yet another example, the radius of curvature R1 may beabout 2.5 times the radius of curvature R2. For example, if the radiusof curvature R1 is about 2.75 inches, the radius of curvature R2 may beabout 1 inch for an exemplary support leg having dimensions of 1.5inches by 3.5 inches (that is, the separation between the first side 90and second side 95 may be about 1.5 inches and the separation betweenthe outer face 80 and inner face 85 may be about 3.5 inches).

Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the firstcurve 130 desirably has a center of curvature C1 such that the notch 140defined in the outer face 80 of each support leg has sufficient depth toadequately engage the table skirt 45 to stabilize the table during useand to position each support leg for proper deployment during use (i.e.,at an obtuse angle as discussed below). For example, the notch 140 mayrange in depth from about one-half inch to one and one-half-inch.Desirably, the notch 140 may have depth from about three-quarters of aninch to about one and one-quarter inch. As discussed further below, thetable has a deployed position in which the leg assemblies are deployedat an angle greater than 90 degrees (e.g., in an obtuse angle in a rangefrom about 95 degrees to about 115, desirably in a range of from about98 degrees to 110 degrees, more desirably in a range from about 100degrees to about 105 degrees) for greater table stability. Deployinglegs in this manner (i.e., at an obtuse angle) with conventional tablelegs would require even more length to compensate for thenon-perpendicular configuration (with respect to the top) in addition tothe extra length needed to compensate for a pivot point conventionallypositioned at the center of curvature. In contrast, the presentinvention allows for a relatively shorter support leg length whichallows a reduction in the distance between the first end and the secondend of the top. The shorter table top eliminates weight and expense,particularly when butcher block type composite materials or denseplastics are used for the top. A loss of stability due to a shorter toplength may be offset by the stability provided by the obtuse angle ofthe deployed table legs. However, it is believed to be desirable tomaintain the width of the top (i.e., to avoid narrowing the width of thetop to reduce weight) as a way to help table stability.

It is believed that even small reductions in weight without sacrificingtable stability are important because of the weight of the dense tabletop and, depending on the materials used, the table skirt and supportlegs. For example, a top having dimensions of 24 inches by 36 inchesalong with a wood skirt and wood support legs may have a weight rangingfrom about 25 to about 45 pounds. A cutting table weight in this rangeis believed to help provide stability when the table is properly set up(e.g., when the legs are deployed properly) while still being in aweight range that is considered relatively easy to move for an averageadult human. Generally speaking, an assembled portable cutting tablehaving a square or rectangular top with an area of from about 4 squarefeet to about 8 square feet may have a weight of from about 25 to about45 pounds. Desirably, the assembled portable cutting table may have asquare or rectangular top with an area of from about 5 square feet toabout 7 square feet and a weight of from about 30 to about 40 pounds.Small reductions in weight (e.g., reductions of 1 to 5 pounds) may makea meaningful difference in portability and ease of use for an averageperson. It is also contemplated that the table skirt and/or the supportlegs may be manufactured from other materials such as, for example,aluminum, steel, or plastics. For example, the support legs may beformed from extruded aluminum with the compound curve formed on thedistal end. It is also contemplated that the compound curve may beformed as a separate section (from the same material or from one or moredifferent material) and joined to or integrated into or onto the supportleg.

The pivotable connection may be accomplished by separate bolts 150 ateach pivot point 145. It is contemplated that a first rod (not shown)may extend across a width of the table skirt to pivotably connect thesupport legs (60, 65) of the first leg assembly 50 and a second,separate rod (not shown) may extend across a width of the table skirt topivotably connect the support legs (70, 75) of the second leg assembly55.

One aspect of the invention is that the table 10 has a storage position200 as shown generally in FIG. 4 in plan view (not to scale) with thefolded leg assemblies visible from above. As can be seen, the first legassembly 50 and the second leg assembly 55 nest together against thelower portion 25 of the top 15 when the table is in the storageposition. The first leg assembly 50 is secured directly to the tableskirt 45. The second leg assembly 55 is secured indirectly to the tableskirt 45 via a pair of spacers 205. The spacers 205 offset the positionof the second leg assembly 55 so it can nest within the first legassembly 50. It is noted that the illustration of FIG. 4 is not to scalebecause the legs and spacers as shown have thicknesses much greater thanneeded for ease of illustration. Referring now to FIG. 5 (showing a sideview of the plan view of FIG. 4), the table 10 can be seen in itsstorage position 200 with the second leg assembly 55 (not shown) nestedwithin the first leg assembly 50 (shown in broken lines) behind thetable skirt 45.

As shown in side view by FIG. 6, the table 10 has a deployed position300. In the deployed position, the first leg assembly and the second legassembly deploy to the predetermined angle θ relative to the top that isapproximately the sum of ninety degrees and the above-describedpredetermined angle ϕ (See FIGS. 2 and 3) when the table is in thedeployed position. For example, when the predetermined angle ϕ isapproximately 13 degrees, the predetermined angle θ is approximately 103degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, there is shown an exemplaryalternative first leg assembly 450 (including support legs 460 and 465)and exemplary alternative second leg assembly 455 (including supportlegs 470 and 475) each include a connecting brace 490. The second legassembly 455 includes notches 480 on its outer face to receive theconnecting brace 490 of the first leg assembly 450 when the table is inthe storage position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the table mayinclude a pull-out element secured to the lower portion of the top. Forexample, the table skirt may include a recess or opening for a pull-outelement attached to or mounted on one or more slide(s) secured to thelower portion of the top. As a non-limiting example, the pull-outelement may be a pull-out shelf or pull-out shallow drawer attached toor mounted on one or more slide(s) secured to the lower portion of thetop. Other configurations are contemplated including a pull-out framefor securing a pan, tray or a pull-out frame for securing a bag.

Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings, there is shown a bottomperspective view of a portion of an exemplary portable table 500 havinga top 515 and a skirt 545. The skirt defines a notch or recess 600 thatis adapted to receive a pull-out element (not shown) that is mounted onslides 605 secured to the skirt and the bottom portion 525 of the top515. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the slides are configured to nest betweenthe support legs of the first leg assembly 550 and the second legassembly 555. FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a portion of theexemplary portable table 500 of in FIG. 8 illustrating a pull-outelement 610. The pull-out element 610 may be in the form of a shelf or aframe defining an opening 615 that may be configured to receive a pan,bag, tray or the like. It is contemplated that wood braces, hardware,wires or mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the pan, bag, trayor the like which is advantageous the top is used for preparing food.

In an aspect of the invention, the table skirt may define a first sideelement and a second side element extending between the first end andthe second end of the top. The first side element and the second sideelement may be secured to the lower portion of the top adjacent the atleast one edge of the top. Each side element may include hardware orsimilar features that extend beyond the at least one edge of the top.For example, one side element may include a mounted handle that extendsbeyond the edge of the top by at about 0.5 inch and the opposite sideelement may include a mounted bottle opener and knob—each extendingbeyond the edge by about 0.5 inch. Of course, the hardware may bemounted to extend beyond the edge by other distances including, but notlimited, to 0.25-inch, 0.75-inch, 1 inch, or 1.5 inch. The separationprovided by the mounted hardware keeps the edge of the top from restingon the ground when the table is set on its side to move the legassemblies into a deployed position.

The present invention also includes a method of making a table. Themethod includes providing a top including an upper portion and a lowerportion, a first end and a second end, and at least one edge. Ideally,the top is a wood laminate such as those commonly referred to as“butcher block”, recycled laminate or composite materials such asrepurposed wood bowling alley lane surfaces suitable for cutting orpreparing food.

The method includes providing a table skirt and securing the table skirtto the lower portion of the top adjacent the at least one edge of thetop. The table skirt may be secured by any suitable means includingbolts, screws, mechanical fasteners, glues or adhesives and the like.Desirably, the table top and table skirt are formed of renewablematerials such as wood. However, it is contemplated that the table skirtmay be made of other materials such as, for example, aluminum, steel,and/or various plastics suitable for that purpose.

The method also includes providing a first pair and a second pair ofsupports leg, each support leg having an outer face and an opposed innerface, a first side and an opposed second side, the first side and secondside each being generally perpendicular to the outer face and innerface, a distal end, and a proximal end. Important aspects of the methodinclude (i) defining a bevel having a predetermined angle on the distalend of each support leg; and (ii) defining a compound curve including atleast a first curve with a first radius of curvature and a second curvewith a second radius of curvature on the proximal end of each supportleg. The first curve defines a notch in the outer face of the supportleg substantially corresponding to the predetermined angle of the bevel,and the second curve has a midpoint and a center of curvature such thatthe proximal end of each support leg defines a pivot point located atleast halfway between the midpoint and the center of curvature.

As noted above, it is believed that use of a compound curve allows forfast, reliable, economical and reproducible production of the supportlegs when such legs are manufactured by a cutting operation such as, forexample, bandsaw, jigsaw cutting or the like. Importantly, fast,reliable and reproducible production of support legs may be particularlyimportant for economical batch production of the support legs in a woodshop or other small manufacturing settings. It is believed the use ofthe compound curve at the proximal end of each support leg provides aneconomical and easy to manufacture component from readily available andrenewable materials such as wood. It is also contemplated that thesupport legs may be manufactured from other materials such as, forexample, aluminum, steel, and/or various plastics suitable for thatpurpose. For example, the support legs may be formed from extrudedaluminum with the compound curve formed on the distal end. It is alsocontemplated that the compound curve may be formed as a separate section(from the same material or from one or more different material) andjoined to or integrated into or onto the support leg.

The method includes forming a first leg assembly using the first pair ofsupport legs and a connecting brace and forming a second leg assemblyusing the second pair of support legs and a connecting brace. Anotherstep in the method includes pivotably connecting each support leg of thefirst leg assembly at its pivot point to the table skirt near the topfirst end and pivotably connecting each support leg of the second legassembly at its pivot point to the table skirt near the top second end.The support legs may be pivotably connected using mechanical fasteningmeans such as bolts, dowel rods or pins, or similar fasteners.

As one example, a portable cutting table was manufactured in accordancewith the present invention. The table included a top that isapproximately 24 inches wide and about 35.5 inches long or approximately5.92 square feet (about 852 square inches). The table stands about 29inches high when deployed. The skirt secured to the lower portion of thetop has a width of 22.75 inches wide and a length of 33.5 inches. Thesupport legs are approximately 27.5 inches long and have a bevel ofapproximately 13 degrees at the distal end so the legs deploy at anangle of 103 degrees from the plane of the top. The top is formed formrepurposed bowling lane materials and is approximately five-eighths ofan inch in thickness. The skirt and legs were formed from dimensionalsoftwood lumber (common southern yellow pine) planed to a thickness of1.5 inches and a width of 3.5 inches. The table also included hardwarein the form of a metal handle on one face of the skirt that extendedbeyond the edge of the top as well as a bottle opener and knob on anopposite face of the skirt—also extending beyond the edge of the top.When assembled, the table weighed approximately 32 pounds (about 512ounces), including the hardware, providing a weight to table top surfacearea ratio of approximately 5.4 pounds per square foot (about 0.6 ouncesper square inch). Locating the pivot point approximately halfway betweenthe midpoint “M” and the center of curvature “C2” on each support legincreases the effective length of each support leg by about 1 inch. Thisconfiguration allows the table legs to nest in the storage position thatis about 2 inches shorter than conventional legs (i.e. having a pivotpoint located at approximately the center of curvature). Shortening thelength of the 24-inch wide top by two inches (i.e., from 37.5 inches to35.5 inches) reduces the surface area of the top by about 48 squareinches. This reduction in surface area of the top as well as acorresponding reduction in the length of the table skirt securedunderneath the top corresponds to a weight reduction of almost 2 pounds.

As another example, a different portable cutting table was manufacturedaccording to the present invention. This table included a top that isapproximately 24.75 inches wide and about 42 inches long orapproximately 7.2 square feet (about 1040 square inches). The tablestands about 36 inches high when deployed (e.g., conventional counterheight). The skirt secured to the lower portion of the top has a widthof 22.75 inches wide and a length of 39.5 inches. The support legs areapproximately 34 inches long and have a bevel of approximately 13degrees at the distal end so the legs deploy at an angle of 103 degreesfrom the plane of the top. The top is formed form repurposed bowlinglane materials and is approximately five-eighths of an inch inthickness. The skirt and legs are formed from dimensional hardwoodlumber (e.g. common southern yellow pine) planed to a thickness of 1inch and a width of 3 inches. The table included hardware in the form ofa metal handle on one face of the skirt that extended beyond the edge ofthe top as well as a bottle opener and knob on an opposite face of theskirt—also extending beyond the edge of the top. The portable cuttingtable also included a pull-out element mounted on the bottom portion ofthe top using “soft close” drawer mounts. The pull-out element weighedapproximately 4 pounds.

When assembled, the table weighed approximately 38 pounds (about 608ounces)—including the hardware but not including the weight of thepull-out element—providing a weight to surface area ratio ofapproximately 5.2 pounds per square foot (about 0.58 ounces per squareinch) for the table components including the hardware but excluding thepull-out element. Locating the pivot point approximately halfway betweenthe midpoint “M” and the center of curvature “C2” on each support legincreases the effective length of each support leg by about 1.5 inch.This configuration allows the table legs to nest in the storage positionthat is about 3 inches shorter than conventional legs (i.e. having apivot point located at approximately the center of curvature).Shortening the length of the 24.75-inch wide top by three inches (i.e.,from 45 inches to 42 inches) reduces the surface area of the top byabout 74.25 square inches. This reduction in surface area of the top aswell as a corresponding reduction in the length of the table skirtsecured underneath the top corresponds to a weight reduction of almost 3pounds. —As can be understood from these two examples, the presentinvention provides a simple and effective portable table made from densematerials suitable yet having reduced weight while also providing astable and robust surface at a convenient height for cutting andpreparing meats, vegetables and the like for cooking at events likebarbeques, cooking competitions, large outdoor gatherings, gardenparties, tailgate events or similar outdoor or indoor venues.

Thus, exemplary embodiments of the invention are presented herein;however, the invention may be embodied in a variety of alternativeforms, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. To facilitateunderstanding of the invention, and provide a basis for the claims,various figures are included in the description. The figures are notdrawn to scale and related elements may be omitted so as to emphasizethe novel features of the invention. Structural and functional detailsdepicted in the figures are provided for the purpose of teaching thepractice of the invention to those skilled in the art and are notintended to be considered limitations. Directional terms such as left,right, front or rear are provided to assist in the understanding of theinvention and are not intended to be considered as limitations.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein; it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatalterations and modifications may be made to the described embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable table comprising: a cutting topincluding an upper portion and a lower portion, a first end and a secondend, and at least one edge; a table skirt secured to the lower portionof the top adjacent the at least one edge of the top, a first legassembly and a second leg assembly, each leg assembly including a pairof support legs, each support leg having: an outer face and an opposedinner face, a first side and an opposed second side, the first side andsecond side each being generally perpendicular to the outer face andinner face, a distal end defining a bevel having a predetermined angle,and a proximal end defining a compound curve including at least a firstcurve with a first radius of curvature and a second curve with a secondradius of curvature, the first curve defining a notch in the outer faceof the support leg substantially corresponding to the predeterminedangle of the bevel, and the second curve having a midpoint and a centerof curvature such that the proximal end of each support leg defines apivot point located at least halfway between the midpoint and the centerof curvature, each support leg of the first leg assembly being pivotablyconnected at the pivot point to the table skirt near the top first endand each support leg of the second leg assembly being pivotablyconnected at the pivot point to the table skirt near the top second end.2. The table of claim 1 wherein the table has a storage position, thefirst leg assembly and the second leg assembly nest together against thelower portion of the top when the table is in the storage position. 3.The table of claim 2, wherein the table has a deployed position, thefirst leg assembly and the second leg assembly deploy to an anglerelative to the top that is approximately the sum of ninety degrees andthe predetermined angle when the table is in the deployed position. 4.The table of claim 2, wherein the first leg assembly and the second legassembly each include a connecting brace and the second leg assemblyincludes notches on its outer face to receive the connecting brace ofthe first leg assembly when the table is in the storage position.
 5. Thetable of claim 1 wherein the table skirt includes a pull-out elementsecured to the lower portion of the top.
 6. The table of claim 5,wherein the pull-out element is a pull-out shelf.
 7. The table of claim1, wherein the table skirt defines a first side element and a secondside element extending between the first end and the second end of thetop, the first side element and the second side element secured to thelower portion of the top adjacent the at least one edge of the top, eachside element including hardware that extends beyond the at least oneedge of the top.
 8. The table of claim 1, wherein the cutting top isfrom about 4 square feet to about 8 square feet in area.
 9. A method ofmaking a table comprising: providing a top including an upper portionand a lower portion, a first end and a second end, and at least oneedge; providing a table skirt and securing the table skirt to the lowerportion of the top adjacent the at least one edge of the top; providinga first pair and a second pair of supports leg, each support leg havingan outer face and an opposed inner face, a first side and an opposedsecond side, the first side and second side each being generallyperpendicular to the outer face and inner face, a distal end, and aproximal end; defining a bevel having a predetermined angle on thedistal end of each support leg; defining a compound curve including atleast a first curve with a first radius of curvature and a second curvewith a second radius of curvature on the proximal end of each supportleg wherein the first curve defines a notch in the outer face of thesupport leg substantially corresponding to the predetermined angle ofthe bevel, and the second curve has a midpoint and a center of curvaturesuch that the proximal end of each support leg defines a pivot pointlocated at least halfway between the midpoint and the center ofcurvature, forming a first leg assembly using the first pair of supportlegs and a connecting brace and forming a second leg assembly using thesecond pair of support legs and a connecting brace; and pivotablyconnecting each support leg of the first leg assembly at its pivot pointto the table skirt near the top first end and pivotably connecting eachsupport leg of the second leg assembly at its pivot point to the tableskirt near the top second end.